Commentary & Ideas

Retirement Scan

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Do Solo Advisors Have a Future? The industry has largely moved to a team model, but some advisors may finish out their careers as 'bachelors,' says John Taft, CEO of RBC's U.S. wealth management division.

Why is it so hard to talk to clients about fees? Cathy Curtis, a San Francisco Bay Area planner and the founder of Curtis Financial Planning, explains how full disclosure can help bring the right clients through your door.

Good topic. Like Cathy, I charge a fee for my planning services that is separate from my AUM fee. I do often hear clients say that a broker has offered to do planning for them "for free" as part of the asset management charge. I'm sure what they get will not be as comprehensive as what I do, but it's hard to argue with "free" with some people.